The DWP has issued a fresh call for people to apply for Pension Credit as around 880,000 people are missing out on the benefit which tops up your income each month
Martin Lewis has urged 880,000 people to act now as they could be due payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Money Saving Expert (MSE) website founder has joined forces with the DWP to raise awareness of the benefit Pension Credit. Hundreds of thousands of older Brits are eligible for the extra help but are not claiming it and Martin says this is a “national tragedy”.
Pension Credit is a benefit available to people who have reached the state pension age of 66 and tops up your weekly income to £218.15 a week if you are single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. According to data from the Money and Pensions service one in three people who are entitled to claim are not.
Martin Lewis described the benefit as a “financial lifeline” to low-income pensioners noting that a “better” name for it should be “the state pension top-up”. He also urged all B rits – whatever their age – to take a second to understand how the DWP’s Pension Credit works. He added: “So whatever your age, take a second to understand how it works, so we can all ensure the message is spread to every nook and granny (and grandpas too).”
He also offered a guideline for potential eligibility: “While for most single pensioners, you need total weekly income, including from savings, under around £218 (pensioner couples under £333) to be very likely to qualify, my rule of thumb is spend a few minutes to check even with weekly income up to £235 (pensioner couples £350) as there’s still a chance some may be eligible.”
“Pension Credit can pay out £1,000s a year, but even if it’s only going to pay you thruppence, still claim it! As once you get it, it’s a gateway benefit that opens the door to other entitlements including council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.”
The MSE founder said it was even more vital to check if you are eligible this year as the Government has axed the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners. Adding: “As the Government has just severed Winter Fuel Benefits eligibility for millions, if you claim Pension Credit you’ll still get it.”
